José Mourinho reveals tension with Schjelderup: “He knows I didn’t like it.”

After an exciting 2-1 victory for Benfica over Gil Vicente, José Mourinho did not hold back in his comments about emerging talent Schjelderup, making it clear that the player’s development is a highlight in his post-match analysis. The coach, who has a history of elevating his athletes’ performances, expressed his satisfaction with the transformation of the young player, who seems to have put his previous difficulties behind him.

“He knows I didn’t like at all what I found,” Mourinho stated, referring to Schjelderup. This blunt statement reflects the demanding relationship the coach establishes with his players and the importance he places on individual development within the team. The coach emphasized that the player now shows significant defensive awareness and a remarkable ability to defend in zones, something that was previously lacking.

The coach also praised the positive impact that confidence has on Schjelderup’s performance, revealing that recognition of his effort and development is crucial for the athlete’s self-esteem: “One thing that is important for the player is to feel that the coach likes him. That is vital for his confidence.” Mourinho did not fail to mention that the player is better today than he was months ago, indicating a remarkable progress that could have a significant impact on Benfica‘s season.

Regarding the game itself, midfielder Aursnes also shared his impressions, highlighting the importance of the victory and the competitiveness of the teams on the field. He made a point of commenting on the referee’s performance, which, according to him, cooperated well with the flow of the game, despite some controversial decisions, such as the yellow card to Otamendi. Aursnes did not hesitate to draw attention to a possible penalty that could have been awarded at the beginning of the match, demonstrating his critical analysis of the game.

The departure of Prestianni was another point addressed by Mourinho, who justified the decision with the need to adjust the dynamics of the match, opting for Lukebakio, who felt more comfortable in a different position. “It was a matter of analyzing the game. I wanted to put Lukebakio in, who feels much more comfortable on the right,” Mourinho explained, highlighting his ability to read the game and adapt to the circumstances.

The coach also referenced the importance of the upcoming work week, indicating that the days ahead will be crucial for the preparation and enhancement of the team’s physical and tactical conditions. Benfica, under Mourinho’s leadership, seems to be building a robust and competitive team that promises much for the future. With the development of players like Schjelderup, expectations are only rising for the upcoming challenges this season.